Despite being assured of top spot at the end of the round-robin phase of the competition, Defence Force started quickly and led 22-16 at the end of the first quarter at the Jean Pierre Complex, Mucurapo.

However, led by Guerra and team-mates Jeffrey Harris and Allister Martin, Straker Nets clawed back into the contest to lead 41-39 at the half-time interval.

Both teams were evenly matched throughout the third quarter as Straker Nets held onto its slim advantage, 63-61, before securing the 86-78 win, their first to register a first win in the round-robin phase from four matches, and one left to play.

Guerra ended with 22 points while Harris got 16, and Martin 15 for the winners while Kyeon Joseph top scored for Defence Force, which ended with a 4-1 record and nine points, with 23 points.

The pair of Stephen “Lighter” Lewis with 17 and Jamille King with 16 were the other players in double-digits for the losers, who despite the loss ended the table on top with nine points and certain of a spot in the $40,000 final.

Tonight at Mucurapo, the round-robin phase of the competition will conclude with the three places to contest the round-robin semifinal still to be determined.

In the opener, Police and Shak Attack, both with 2-2 records and six points lock horns from 6.30pm while Straker Nets, (1-3) with five points come up against Maloney Pacers, another team with a 2-2 mark.

At the end of tonight’s matches, the teams placing second, third and fourth will now contest a three-team round-robin series at the end of which the top team will advance to the final against Defence Force.